🥛 Dairy

Unsalted Butter Substitute: Complete Guide for Baking & Cooking

Discover the best substitutes for unsalted butter in baking and cooking. Learn how to substitute salted butter for unsalted, adjust salt levels, and find dairy-free alternatives with proper ratios.

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Quick Answer

The best substitute for unsalted butter is salted butter with reduced salt in the recipe. Use 1:1 ratio and reduce added salt by 1/4 teaspoon per 1/2 cup butter. For dairy-free options, use vegan butter, coconut oil, or margarine with the same ratio.

Best Substitutes

Salted Butter (with salt reduction)

1:1

Salted butter is the most direct substitute for unsalted butter. Simply reduce the salt in your recipe to compensate for the salt already in the butter.

Best for:

all baking applicationscookingwhen you have salted butter on handemergency substitutionsmost recipes

Reduce added salt by 1/4 teaspoon per 1/2 cup (1 stick) of salted butter used. This prevents over-salting your recipe while maintaining the same fat content and texture.

Vegan Butter (unsalted variety)

1:1

Plant-based butter alternatives work excellently as unsalted butter substitutes. Choose unsalted varieties for precise salt control in your recipes.

Best for:

vegan bakingdairy-free cookingall baking applicationswhen you need precise salt controlhealth-conscious cooking

Look for unsalted vegan butter brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko's. Use exactly like dairy butter with the same ratios and techniques.

Coconut Oil (refined)

1:1

Refined coconut oil provides the same fat content as butter without any salt. It's solid at room temperature, making it perfect for baking applications.

Best for:

vegan bakingdairy-free cookingcookiescakespastrieswhen you want neutral flavor

Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor. Keep cold for best results in pastry and cookie recipes. May add subtle coconut flavor to baked goods.

Margarine (unsalted)

1:1

Unsalted margarine provides the same fat content and texture as unsalted butter, making it an excellent substitute for all cooking and baking applications.

Best for:

bakingcookingspreadingwhen you want lower saturated fatbudget-friendly option

Choose stick margarine for baking rather than tub varieties. Look for unsalted versions to maintain precise salt control in your recipes.

Ghee (clarified butter)

1:1

Ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids removed, making it naturally salt-free and perfect for high-heat cooking and baking.

Best for:

high-heat cookingbakingwhen you want rich flavorIndian cookingketo recipes

Ghee has a higher smoke point than regular butter and adds a rich, nutty flavor. It's naturally lactose-free and works well in most baking applications.

Vegetable Shortening

1:1

Vegetable shortening provides the same fat content as butter without any salt. It's excellent for flaky pastries and pie crusts.

Best for:

pie crustspastriesbiscuitswhen you want flaky texturecookies

Shortening creates very flaky pastries but may affect flavor. It's best for recipes where texture is more important than taste, like pie crusts.

Applesauce + Oil Blend

1/2 applesauce + 1/2 oil:1

A combination of applesauce and neutral oil can replace unsalted butter while reducing fat content and adding natural sweetness.

Best for:

muffinsquick breadscakeswhen you want lower fathealthy baking

Use 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup neutral oil for every 1 cup unsalted butter. This combination provides moisture and fat while reducing overall fat content.

Greek Yogurt + Oil Blend

1/2 Greek yogurt + 1/2 oil:1

A blend of plain Greek yogurt and neutral oil provides protein and moisture while maintaining some of the richness of butter.

Best for:

muffinscakesquick breadswhen you want added proteinmoist baked goods

Use 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup neutral oil for every 1 cup unsalted butter. This adds protein and tanginess to your baked goods.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡When substituting salted butter for unsalted, reduce added salt by 1/4 teaspoon per 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter
  • 💡For precise salt control, always use unsalted butter or unsalted substitutes in baking
  • 💡When using coconut oil as a substitute, keep it cold for pastry and cookie recipes
  • 💡For flaky pastries, use cold fat and work quickly to prevent melting
  • 💡When creaming butter and sugar, use room temperature fat for best results
  • 💡For high-heat cooking, ghee or refined coconut oil work better than regular butter
  • 💡When using oil-based substitutes, reduce other liquids by 2-3 tablespoons per cup
  • 💡For cookies, the type of fat affects spread - solid fat makes thicker cookies, melted makes thinner ones
  • 💡In bread recipes, butter adds richness and helps with browning - any fat substitute will work similarly
  • 💡For frosting and icings, use solid fat substitutes for best texture and stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best substitutes for unsalted butter in baking and cooking. Learn how to substitute salted butter for unsalted, adjust salt levels, and discover dairy-free alternatives with proper ratios and techniques.